Posted on: Friday 10 June 2022
Over 100 entries were received to name the first two electric waste vehicles in the borough, and after much debate the winners have been chosen.
BERT and TREVOR will shortly be hitting the streets of Torfaen collecting residents purple lidded bin rubbish.
BERT (Best Electric Refuse Truck) was created by Year 2 pupil, Ruby Cording, from Ponthir Church in Wales Primary School, and TREVOR (Torfaen Refuse Electric Vehicle On Route) by a pupil at Henllys Church In Wales School.
The children who came up with the names win a goody bag, and their class will be invited to take part in an interactive mobile classroom session.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive member for the environment, said: “This was such a fun competition, and so many great names were put forward. It was hard choosing the winners.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part, and I can’t wait to see BERT and TREVOR driving around the borough”.
Anna Britten, Headteacher, Ponthir Church in Wales Primary School, said: “The children are passionate about the environment and were really excited to hear about the new electric refuse vehicles. Ruby came up with a name that describes the vehicle perfectly, and all the children agreed that it should be one of our chosen school entries. We are all delighted that the judges liked it too!
“The children have been learning about the work undertaken by the refuse and recycling crews as one of our pupils, Harri Williams, wants to join the crew when he is older. He’s been sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with his school friends.”
Investing in electric waste vehicles is just one of the many ways the Council is aiming to become net carbon zero by 2030, and for the borough to be net carbon zero by 2050.
The Council is also investing in a new recycling fleet next year – keep your eyes peeled for the opportunity to name the new vehicles towards the end of the year.
Find out more about recycling and waste in Torfaen.
Find out more about how the Council is responding to our climate change and nature emergency declaration.